Increasing water scarcity increases the competition for water by different sectors of the economy, and agriculture accounts for 70 percent of global water withdrawal
Despite progress, almost 40 percent of the population of Sub-Saharan Africa lacks access to an improved water source Access to an improved water source (% of population) East Asia & 1990 Pacific 2010 Europe & 1990 Central Asia 2010 Latin America & 1990 Caribbean 2010 Middle East & 1990 North Africa 2010 1990
South Asia
2010
Sub-Saharan 1990 Africa 2010 1990
High-income
portion is less than 1 percent of all freshwater and only (&(+ h]j[]fl g^ Ydd oYl]j gf =Yjl`& Em[` g^ l`Yl ak dg[Yl]\ far from human populations. Humans compete with natural systems in the use of ^j]k`oYl]j& =pljY[lagf g^ oYl]j ^gj `meYf f]]\k \aeafak`]k the amount available to maintain the integrity of terrestrial and marine ecosystems. The three major factors leading to increased water demand over the past century have been population growth, industrial development, and the expansion of irrigated land in agriculture. Agriculture accounts for more than 70 percent of freshwater withdrawals in the world and 90 percent in low-income countries. Most of this water is used for irrigation to provide about 40 percent of world food production. Pollution of water bodies causes further degradation of natural systems and reduces the supply fit for human consumption. Although domestic use of water for drinking and washing is the smallest part of the demand for water— usually less than 5 percent of the total—providing safe water for human consumption is of great importance for health and wellbeing. Water supplies should be free of chemical and biological contaminants and delivered in such a way that their cleanliness is protected. They should also be regularly and conveniently available.
2010 0
20
40
60
80
100
Source: World Health Organization and World Bank estimates
People in rural areas are more likely to lack access to improved water sources People without access to improved water (millions), 2010
Urban Rural
East Asia & Pacific
Europe & Central Asia
Latin America & Caribbean
Middle East & North Africa
South Asia
Sub-Saharan Africa
High-income 0
50
100
150
200
250
300
Source: World Health Organization and World Bank estimates
Environment 113